The scattering by dust in the Orion nebula.
Abstract
New observations of the scattered continuum in the Orion Nebula are presented and discussed. Three types of theoretical models of the dust distribution are discussed: (1) spherically symmetric ones, with the star at the center of the dust distribution; (2) slab models, with the scattering occurring at the front face of the very dense, opaque H I region which lies behind the nebula; and (3) composite models, with both a spherical and a slab distribution. The ultraviolet extinction of theta Ori implies that almost all of the extinction is peculiar and therefore probably occurs within the nebula. The optical data lead to an estimate of an optical depth at H-beta of 1.5-2. Composite models, with scattering from both the slab and a foreground shell with optical depth of about 2, indicate that most of the scattered light at visual arises from the shell.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- December 1974
- DOI:
- 10.1086/153279
- Bibcode:
- 1974ApJ...194..597S
- Keywords:
-
- Astronomical Models;
- Cosmic Dust;
- Interstellar Matter;
- Light Scattering;
- Nebulae;
- H I Regions;
- Interstellar Extinction;
- Optical Thickness;
- Stellar Radiation;
- Astrophysics